Are fluorescent lightbulbs detrimental to the environment due to the mercury content which can pollute water?

Question

Are fluorescent lightbulbs detrimental to the environment due to the mercury content which can pollute water?

Answer 1

Nope.  CFLs reduce total mercury emissions by reducing energy consumption and thus coal burning.

Answer 2

They are supposed to be disposed of PROPERLY....something they failed to tell us.  You should not toss them into the garbage or break them as the mercury immediately vapourizes which isn't good for your health.

There was talk they were working on making them without the mercury in future a long while back but I don't know if they ever did.

Answer 3

Using compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) actually reduces mercury pollution.

Fossil fuels contain mercury.  Using incandescent bulbs causes more mercury to be emitted from power plants.  More than the tiny amount (0.005 grams or less) that is in a CFL.

It's better if you dispose of old CFLs properly so that even the tiny amount of mercury is not released.  But, no matter how they're disposed of, CFLs reduce mercury pollution.

http://www.cityofberkeley.info/sustainab...

http://www.snopes.com/medical/toxins/cfl...

Answer 4

Obviously the EPA thinks CFLs are dangerous, just look at this clean-up procedure you have to follow if one breaks.  Pretty serious stuff.

http://www.epa.gov/mercury/spills/index....

It's almost as if you have to be qualified in HazMat removal geeze.